Optics play a big role in determining executive pay at a non-profit

We’ve all seen the media headlines scream CEO earns $250,000 or Head of organization gets $100,000 bonus. Recent Free Press headlines shouted Auditor general questions wages. This headline, like others, raised questions about executive salaries and left us to wonder, “Is it too much? How much is too much? Is there such a thing as too much?”

Recently I delivered a report presentation to a board of directors who asked me that very same question. Here’s a list of points that was offered to them for consideration:

The answer to the question of “How much are you worth?” can often elude both employees and employers. Ask these two groups the same question and you’ll probably receive two very different answers.

The truth is salaries come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re negotiating a starting salary or looking for a raise, you should know how much you’re really worth and understand how your organization determines the amount you are paid. Your colleague’s paycheque may be larger or smaller than yours, regardless of how long you have been working for the organization or how many bills you have.